Approximately 120 soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard's 1463rd Transportation Company, stationed in Battle Creek, are preparing for a deployment at the Southwest Border. The send-off event, taking place on October 26 at Lakeview Middle School in Battle Creek, gathers the soldiers alongside their families and guests as they are ready for their mission supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), according to a recent announcement by the Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs.
The troops of the 1463rd Transportation Company, deployed under the command of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, are tasked with providing mission-enhancing support, enabling CBP agents in their law enforcement duties along the border. This latest deployment will be the Michigan National Guard's fifth time heading to the Southwest Border since 2020. Preparing to be away for up to a year, the soldiers last saw deployment overseas to Iraq in 2008.
In a statement celebrating the Guard's reputation and readiness, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the Guard's bipartisan service under both Democratic and Republican administrations. "The Michigan National Guard is known nationwide for their professionalism, and they have stepped up to protect and serve their fellow Americans when called upon under both Democratic and Republican presidents,” Gov. Whitmer said, as per the Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs. She added, "Now, around 120 soldiers are preparing once again to answer the call of duty at our southern border, adding to the robust efforts that have led to border crossings hitting a four-year low."
Highlighting the Michigan National Guard's preparedness, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers also commended the support systems in place for military families. "The Michigan National Guard maintains a high level of readiness and is prepared to deploy and serve at a moment’s notice,” he said, as cited by the Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs. The Family Programs Office of the Michigan National Guard provides myriad forms of support, ranging from information to resources to the service members' families whose steadfast support stands as crucial to the success of the soldiers. The Programs Office can be reached for further assistance and details through the 1-888-MICH-FAM hotline.
